Premier Pat Binns today called upon the Federal Government to immediately bring an end to the strike by deck officers at the Northumberland Ferry service that operates between Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island and Caribou, Nova Scotia. The strike was precipitated by stalled negotiations over the wages of deck officers that work for Northumberland Ferries Limited.
"This strike is having a devastating impact on our economy," said Premier Pat Binns. "Many of our primary industries, such as fisheries, agriculture and tourism are being directly affected by this work stoppage. The ferry service is an important link for Island businesses to markets in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and potentially overseas."
"I have notified the Prime Minister of the seriousness of this strike and requested that a federal mediator bring both sides back to the bargaining table. In the event this dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation and all other options have been exhausted, I have requested that the Prime Minister enact legislation that would bring about the resumption of the ferry service," said Premier Binns.
The stoppage in ferry service caught many by surprise as vehicles arrived at the terminal all day Saturday only to be told there was a strike and the boats would not be running anytime soon.
"The labour dispute is within the jurisdiction of the federal government," said the Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Prince Edward Island Minister responsible for Labour. "This morning I contacted the Honourable Claudette Bradshaw, Federal Minister of Labour, and requested that she use all the necessary resources at her disposal in ending this strike. Hopefully we will see a quick resolution to this dispute and the ferries can get running again."
The use of the ferry service is key for the province. Many farmers and fishermen depend on the service to export their goods to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador and overseas in a timely manner. Without the ferries running, exports could be held up for hours at a time as goods have to cross the Confederation Bridge and move through New Brunswick to Nova Scotia. Tourists also depend on the ferry service for quick and reliable access to and from Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Many visitors from the mainland view the ferry as a tourist attraction itself.
Wilbur MacDonald, MLA for Belfast-Pownal Bay, the district where the ferry service operates from, commented on the damage this strike is having on the area. "Eastern PEI is being severely hurt by this strike. Hundreds of people a day get on and off the ferry in Wood Islands, spend their money and stay in the area while travelling to different parts of the province. Without the visitors coming and going, there is a big letdown in the economy of eastern PEI.